Crypto-ransomware, such as CryptoLocker, is a terrifying reality for many consumers and companies alike. It’s something that your business should be aware of and avoid at all costs. The bad news is: it’s on the rise.
According to Symantec,
‘All bar one of the new variants [of ransomware] discovered so far in 2016 are crypto-ransomware, compared to around 80 percent last year.’
How does this virus operate?
First, the malware encrypts your files with a password; when clicking on these infected documents, a popup will appear demanding a ransom fee. As stated in Datto’s CryptoLocker live video, this infection can spread to your business’ entire network. Fail to pay the cybercriminal by a set time and they won't give you the key to unlock your files.
If you don’t have anti-virus protection, or a backup and recovery solution, you could find yourself paying your cybercriminal a sum of up to $679 (£560) or losing your files altogether. Not to mention that if you don’t pay the ransom quickly, your files will be deleted one by one.
Are you able to protect your business from CryptoLocker?
Three quarters of small businesses reported security breaches in the past year. So whether you’re dealing with crypto-ransomware or another virus, being unprepared is a risk that isn’t worth taking. Without a backup of your data, you could face losing clients, money and in some cases your business.
In the following Datto video tutorial, Josh Lambert explores what CryptoLocker looks like live, how it affects your documents and how you can resume business in a matter of minutes. Whether you backup your files locally or virtually, Datto’s disaster recovery (which Pensar provides) is able to source and restore your network back to working order. So, thankfully, there’s no need to pay the criminals. (What a relief!)
Learn more about the threat ransomware poses to your business and how you can stay safe in our essential business guide:
